Become a lie - part five

Doepaw shifted uncomfortably at his words. As twigleg interrupted them she jumped. She lifted her head uncertain. “Me? Oh... alright.” She meowed getting to her paws. She glanced back at the charcoal tom before padding over to Twigleg.

Mousestar watched at Jaymoon padded past them. He felt a short-lived sense of unease in his stomach, but he ignored it. "I'll be back," he murmured to Hazelpelt before carefully stepping over the kits to venture away through the tunnel.

"You know," Coalbreeze shuffled his paws uncomfortably. "You've heard the rumors. Ever since we were kits. The elders would say Rockpelt might be my father, and Scorchkit's. They said he was with my mother. But, I know he's not. They would call me kittypet or half-clan." The warrior shook his head. He didn't want to be half-blood. He would much prefer the idea of one of his clan-mates being his father and just not want him. Funny, how he would prefer that.

Twigleg padded through the camp until she made it to the small clearing. Her eyes reached Coalbreeze and Doepaw. Her eyes narrowed as she caught the last of Coalbreeze's words. Guilt began to prod at her chest. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said. "I need to speak with Doepaw."

Jaymoon trotted in ahead. She watched Mousestar and Hazelpelt exchange goodbyes. She felt her stomach turn at the sight, a slight resentment causing her upper lip to curl into a snarl. She settled down a far enough distance from Hazelpelt. Newborn kits was not what she needed right now. However, her resentment slowly faded into a longing senastion. Hazelpelt licked her mates ear. “Thank you.” She sighed in relief before curling her tail around her sleeping kits and resting her head. Her eyes ,however , remained open as she watched hawkpaw drop the moss and scurry out. Meanwhile, Doepaw rambled on to Coalbreeze about how she would become the best warrior and that she wouldn’t let anything stand in her way to get there, however she did want kits at some point yet she left that detail out. Finally, she stopped in her tracks back tracking Coalbreeze’s words. “Wait... what do you mean by closure?”

Twigleg nudged the she-cat toward the tunnels with a gentle press of her snout. "Don't you worry," she told her, hoping to offer Jaymoon some sort of comfort. "Go rest. I'll meet you in the nursery in a bit."

Coalbreeze blinked in thought. He supposed it was good that Shellbreeze had been there, even if he was ReedClan. He wondered how the war would come to play out. Coalbreeze was deep in thought when Doepaw spoke again. The future. It wasn't something he had too much time to think about. If he was being honest, he was always focussed on his next obstactle to overcome. But now? He was a warrior, and he had Doepaw. What more could he ask for? He wanted to give her some sort of answer. "Maybe..." He looked across the heather littered field. "I'll be one of the clan's greatest warriors. You'll be by my side. And kits one day, when we're ready." Coalbreeze glanced down with a breath. "And maybe I'll have closure." The charcoal tom shook himself before looking at Doepaw. "What about you?"

Mousestar glanced up as Hawkpaw entered the den. He let out a sigh, his happiness short-lived as he remembered his duties. "I will need to have a meeting with Cloudfeather and some of our warriors tonight." The tiny tom glanced at his mate. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Jaymoon watched as her friend’s ears drooped. She listened to her words but didn’t appear like she had truly heard them. To her she felt like an outcast, already titled the clan loon. She sighed and dipped her head respectively to her friends. “I wouldn’t be so sure.” Doepaw shook the daze from her eyes and grinned at Coalbreeze. “Yeah well it wasn’t just me! That cat, Shellbreeze, the one we stood up to at the river? Yeah he helped her. If he hadn’t have come along i don’t know what I’d have done.” She laughed. Cautiously she pressed herself against the tom. “Coalbreeze, what would you say your future looks like?” Hazelpelt warmly smiled at her mate. She knew his train of thought all too well. “Your sister would love it.” She licked the side of his face in comfort. She knew that Appledove would be watching them right now, proud of her brother. Hawkpaw respectively waited outside until he heard Hazelpelt finish her words. After that he dipped in with the wet moss. Carefully and cautiously dropping it in front of the she cat. “If you need anything else we’ll br in the medicine den.” He purred warmly to the new parents.

(This reminds me, I think we need a thread for Cloud and Hawk c: )

Twigleg let out an affectionate purr, but paused, her ears drooping. "You know, you're still needed here, Jay," she said with a weak smile. She felt a bit silly for getting all mushy with her friend, but she felt Jaymoon needed to hear it. She was starting to become an outcast, and Twigleg was starting to wonder if she and Deerpelt were the only ones left to stick by her side. "I'll always need you here."

Coalbreeze blinked at her in surprise. "Heh... Yeah." He kicked at the grass awkwardly. He was starting to wonder what Doepaw had going on in her mind, with such a day-dreaming expression. "I'm glad you were there to help Hazelpelt." Coalbreeze cast his glance to the side, catching a glimpse of Hawkpaw's stare boring back at them. His green eyes narrowed. Ugh, Hawkpaw. What are you looking at? Mind your own business.

Mousestar listened, purring softly. "I like those names," he agreed. His eyes turned onto the she-kit, still left unnamed. "I was thinking Dovekit... If you're okay with that."

Hawkpaw nodded and quickly bound away. Slithering into the medicine den where he hunted for moss soaked in water. Upon finding it he gathered it quickly and headed out once more. However, his movements slowed to an eventual stop when his eyes fell upon Doepaw and Coalbreeze. Subconsciously his lip curled in a snarl. Ever since they were kits he knew Doepaw and Coalbreeze hadn’t particularly got along so now why all of a sudden did they seem so buddy buddy? He couldn’t place his paw on it but their closeness left an uneasy bubbling in his stomach. Shaking away his glare he decided to cautiously enter the nursery. He would ask Doepaw about it later. Currently, he was needed elsewhere. Jaymoon looked up to her friend in defeat. She was exhausted. For moons now she’d felt anything but herself, often having blackouts where she couldn’t even remember what she had done for a day. “You’re a good friend Twiggy.” She purred cheerily, nudging her with her head as a sign of affection. “What I would do without you I don’t know.” Doepaw slumped down in front of Coalbreeze. Her muscles ached from running back and forth so many times in one day. “They’re wonderful.” She grinned up at the towering tom. “I was able to carry one back to camp and they simply called out to their mother the whole journey. Kits are wonderful.” She purred in a dream like state. Hazelpelt stifled a yawn as she wondered about the names for her kits. Multiple came to mind but finally she settled on some. She looked to a quietly sleeping calico tom cat. “Beetlekit...” she murmured. Next she turned to a little brown tabby. “Pouncekit.” She settled on after debate between larkkit and jaykit. She lifted her head to meet her mate’s eyes. “What do you think her name should be?” She hushed, tones soft and soothing almost in fear of disturbing her kits.

Mousestar was so invested in the sight of his kits that he barely heard the apprentice's voice at first. He sat, pressing his tiny frame against Hazelpelt's back and carefully watched their kits. His breathing was slow, feeling as if breathing too loudly would somehow disrupt their peace. Mousestar's eyes flickered up to Hawkpaw for a moment. "I can't think of anything at the moment but..." he paused. "Maybe you could fetch some water for Hazelpelt," he said with a sweep of his tail. He crouched down lower to his mate. Pride overwhelmed him. "Have you any name ideas?" He glanced at the tiny she-kit. She had a fuzzy light gray body, and a light beige spot on the right side of her face. "I think I have an idea for this little one."

She looks like Appledove...

The brown and white tabby faltered. She had never experienced something like this with Coalbreeze, even in his know-it-all stages. Just like Jaymoon, she felt lost. Twigleg touched her nose to her friend's ear. "I could talk to her, if you'd like. When she comes back." She glanced at Deerpelt. The look in his eyes made her heart stopped. That look, so corrupted. Greed, jealousy, rage. She couldn't pinpoint it. She shook it off. "Until then, just let her have some space. She's not the kit she used to be."

Coalbreeze stopped in his tracks upon seeing the senior apprentice. Doepaw looked as if she had another encounter with Jaymoon, and must have guessed correctly considering her words. He decided not to bring it up first, looking for a different subject. "How are Hazelpelt's kits?" He asked. It didn't take long for the news to reach the whole clan, spreading like a wild fire when they saw the queen waddle in, exhausted.

Hazelpelt watched as her kits suckled from her swollen belly. She was in complete and utter awe. These tiny creatures meant the world to her. She teared up as she lay smiling at them. These kits were her whole world now. Along with Mousestar nothing else could be more perfect. All her worries about motherhood and the new found war with reedclan seemed all but pointless now. Nothing mattered as she stared at the little faces of her three newborn, mewling kits. Jaymoon stared longingly after her daughter. A few moons before and everything gad been picture perfect, now she was left with a broken family. She knew of how Deerpelt resented Doepaw and she knew of the growing rift between herself and her children and yet she felt useless. She couldn’t understand where’d she went wrong. Was it her mothering? The death of her father? Or was there some greater matter in play that she was unaware of... “what did I do Twigleg... what should I do?” Deerpelt watched a bitter exchanged between his mother and sister. A wicked smirk dancing on his lips. The greater rift that his sister provided between her and his mother meant a better chance for him. He wanted nothing more than to succeed in his mother’s eyes, and he resented the fact his sister seemed to be some kind of prodigy. “All in good time.” Hushed Houndleap into his ear. All in good time... Doepaw angrily stomped from the nursery. Her once joyous thoughts clouded with anger from her mother’s encounter. She knew her mother was unwell but she resented her. “How dare she treat me like this!” She furiously growled to herself. However, her intrusive anger was distributed when she lay eyes upon Coalbreeze. Suddenly, everything felt that little bit lighter.

( I really just read this whole thread to get caught up lol )

Mousestar followed his mate into the tunnel, the quiet mewls for the kits' mother echoing off the walls. Since his sister's death, for the first time in moons he felt himself becoming whole once more. He silently thanked StarClan.

Twigleg rested her tail on Jaymoon's shoulder, her gaze trailing after Doepaw. "Give it time," she reminded her friend carefully. "She's going through a lot right now." Inwardly, the sight broke her heart. Neither her kit nor Jaymoon's had their fathers, but she was thankful that she had the chance at a stable relationship with her son.

Once at the camp Hazeltpelt nearly collapsed. Her legs and her body aching from giving birth only moments ago. Hazelpelt continued on to the nursery. Doepaw had trailed behind the rest despite them all walking to match Hazeltpelt’s pace. The she cat was in awe with the little kit between her jaws. The kit mewled pathetically as if in hope Doepaw would give it milk. “Sorry little one.” Doepaw cooed as she neared the entrance. “I haven’t got any milk, but i’ll put you in the nursery and your mummy can give you some. Does that sound like a plan?” Her tone was gentle and her pace of words soft and dripping in a honey lemon sugar coating. It was like Doepaw was protecting the kit from the horror of the world by promising him something he would inevitably get. The future always unknown. She weaved her way past the crowd of cats who had gathered. She was about to enter the nursery with the kit when Jaymoon appeared. “Doepaw?” Doepaw froze after the familiar voice. “Give me a moment Mu- Jaymoon.” She meowed slipping into the cozy nursery. She lay the kit down with its other siblings and left the cats alone. Jaymoon sat patiently outside. Once she saw Doepaw she sprung to her feet. “Doepaw.” SHe began. “Jaymoon now isn’t a go-“ “i don’t want to hear that from you. I’m your mother and yo-“ “No Jaymoon you’re not. You used to be when i needed cared for but i don’t now. I’ve gotten along fine just without you. I don’t need you or your crazy accusations. Just leave me be!” Doepaw snapped at the blue grey silver tabby. Jaymoon watched her daughter walk away making no attempt to stop her from leaving. The she cat couldn’t understand where she’d gone wrong. What she had said. What she had done. Jaymoon wanted nothing more than to reconnect with her children. But she couldn’t if neither of them wanted to.

Mousestar waited patiently for the she-cat. He felt sympathy for her, almost guilty that he couldn't take on the burden of her pain, and stress piled on to it. The tom slowly lead her through the heather toward the camp, allowing his mind to drift and listen to the peaceful mewling of their kits.

Doepaw rolled her eyes but said nothing. Knowing he was simply being protective. She simply gave a light nod so not to move the meeting kit too much. Hazelpelt smiled. “Thank you.” She winced getting to her paws but did not complain. She leaned against her mate.

Mousestar hesitated when Doepaw picked up the kit. He knew it was probably just his instincts speaking, but he was uneased by the thought. "Doepaw... Be careful." Mousestar watched as Jumpwing took the last. Mousestar moved in beside his mate to offer his frame for assistance. Though he was rather small, he hoped it would help.

Hazelpelt smiled softly. “Yes... that sounds nice.” She murmured gently. “I might need help getting up.” She chuckled quietly as she attempted to push herself up. Doepaw rose to her feet and tip toed over to the kittens. She gently picked one up by the scruff. Hazelpelt smiled sweetly at Doepaw and gave the apprentice a gentle nod. She turned around and picked a small white grey kit up by the scruff. Leaving the third to either Jumpwing or her mate, Mousestar.

Mousestar dipped his head to the medicine cat. "We appreciate your assistance. It's a shame our clans can't work like this always."

The charcoal tom turned his back toward the group, but paused in his tracks as he met the water. "I didn't want this war," he reminded them. He had too much he cared about in both clans. With that, he left.

Mousestar nodded and turned back to Hazelpelt and admired his new family . "We should move the kits back to the camp," the tom mewed, touching his nose to her ear. "And I was thinking. You should stay in my den from now on with the kits. It gets lonely in there."

Hazelpelt let out a quiet meow as she lay her head down into the ground. Three kits tested at her belly. All healthy. Relief washed over her. Doepaw remained quiet, not addressing what her mentor had said. She smiled at the kittens pathetic mews. “they’re adorable.” Her murmured quietly to no one in particular. The she cat suddenly felt a pang in her chest at the site of the tiny kits. She knew they’d be loved and they’d grow together loving one another. Subconsciously her ears flattened and pinned themselves against her skull. A longing filled her heart. She turned away from the kits.

"You may not be ready to see it yet," he agreed. The tom himself didn't. The sight just filled him with memories. All the blood that painted the grass, the young she-cat, barely a few moons older than an apprentice refusing to have her kits unless the charcoal tom was at her side. "He helped Twigleg birth her kits. Coalbreeze would have been dead without him..." the tom added softly, just loud enough for the apprentice to hear. The tom shook his head, realizing he probably shouldn't have said it. "You can't tell anyone I told you that, especially not him."

Shellbreeze felt her stomach, his pads gently feeling for the next contraction. "Okay, it's time." Mousestar felt uneasy and excited at the same time. He worried for his mate, and their kits, but he was relieved that Shellbreeze was there to help despite their differences.

(yes tbh lmao)

***

Shellbreeze looked up at Mousestar and dipped his head. "Congratulations to you both," he meowed. "I'm sure these little ones will make fine warriors for BreezeClan." The tom looked down at Hazelpelt as he brought one of the kits closer to her belly. "You will want to rest. Birthing kits is one of the most traumatic experiences your body can endure, but if you treat yourself well, you will heal just fine."

Doepaw glanced at Shellbreeze. She padded over to sit with Jumpwing. “I’m not sure this is even something I want to watch.” She whispered to the tom as she pulled a face. “Kits are cute and all but i don’t want any of my own.” She whispered firmly again as she turned away. Hazelpelt was too focused on her mate to even pay attention to the others that he arrived with. She smiled dazedly up at him. His gentle words were a comfort blanket to her. Soft and safe. It was time. (do you wanna do a mini time skip to when the kits are born?? don’t rlly wanna go into detail on the other bit lmao)

(So apparently I have to wait till tomorrow because they didn't want to do it yesterday .-.)

"Because I've delivered many kits before yours," Shellbreeze insisted, not paying any mind to her harsh tone. "And seeing as you are healthy, you shouldn't have many issues." Shellbreeze's eyes lifted as the two figures came into view. "They're here."

Jumpwing slowed as the small leader raced to his mate's side. He watched as the tom pressed his cheek into Hazelpelt's, and whisper words that were barely audible and shook with fear. The brown and white tom looked at Doepaw and he motioned with his tail to sit beside him. "Give then some space," he mewed softly.

Doepaw ignored the exchange between Jumpwing and Twigleg. “This way! by the border with Reedclan, Shellbreeze found us just in time.” Hazelpelt took deep breaths in and out. Her water had broken just as Doepaw had left. She prayed to starclan that the apprentice returned soon. “H-How do you know that!” She snapped back at his comforting words. Anger overruling her sense of judgement. She let out a yowl of pain and she bit down hard on a twig Doepaw had left her. “Where are they?!” She shouted between breaths. Doepaw pranced quickly and quietly over the undergrowth. Slipping easily through the trees and bushes. She didn’t check to see if her clanmates had followed she knew they couldn’t be far behind her. Besides they could follow her scent if they got lost. The she cat knew the forest well and the quiet song of the birds seemed to guide her as she weaves her way through thick forest greenery. She felt Houndleap prance alongside her but the she cat’s presence no longer bothered Doepaw. It felt... comforting... motherly almost. Doepaw slowed her pace as they neared the shore edge. “There!” She cried and she picked up the pace once more to arrive at her friends side. “What’s happened?” She turned to Shellbreeze as she spoke. Her words interrupted by another yowl.

Shellbreeze rolled his eyes. "Silly fishbrain," he was half amused by the apprentice's assumption that he wanted – or even had any reason to harm a queen. He was a medicine cat, for StarClan's sake. He didn't wish harm on anyone, and even if he did, he would lose his position, and he gave up too much of his life for that already. Ending his postion now for something he didn't even wish was pointless. He ducked besides Hazelpelt. "Focus. Take deep breaths. You'll be all right, I promise."

Mousestar's ears pricked at the sound of his name being called. He sat with Twigleg and Jumpwing, his jaws clamped around a half-eaten hare. He hopped to his paws as soon as the news reached him. "I knew this would happen," he growled to himself. There was a hint of regret in his gaze.

Twigleg stiffened at the sound of Shellbreeze's name. "Shellbreeze is with Hazelpelt?" She exchanged a glance with Jumpwing.

Jumpwing shook his head at her, knowing what the she-cat was thinking. "You'd better stay."

Mousestar didn't hesitate any longer. The tom pushed past the others quickly. "Show me where they are."

(ALSO YASSS IM SO GLAD)

Doepaw hesitated she didn’t know if she could leave the queen. She nodded eventually. “I know our clans are at war, but you’re a medicine cat and you answer to starclan first. If you harm her, you’ll have the whole of Breezeclan to answer to.” The she cat gave her friend one final look before running off. She had to be fast. She had to be quick. She had to help her friend. Bursting through the entrance Doepaw yowled as loudly as she could. “MOUSESTAR! MOUSESTAR HAZELPELT IS IN LABOUR!” She screeched as she ran to his den. Finally she stopped her sides heaving, her pelt had leaves and twigs weaved through it as she had made no effort to dodge them. “She’s with with with Shellbreeze they’re by th - the lake.” She stammered as her breaths cut her off.

(AWWWW. GOOD NEWS THOUGH!!! I should be getting a new phone today :D)

The medicine cat trotted up to the queen's side and sat down. Shellbreeze lifted a paw and rested it on the she-cat's stomach, carefully feeling for contractions. "It's normal for a laboring queen to want to stay in one spot," Doepaw assured her. "She's very close to the water, so she will stay hydrated easily. It will help her strength." The tom blinked, straining himself to focus on her tense muscles. "Do you want Mousestar here?"

Doepaw looked up to the charcoal tom. She was relieved at the sight of him despite the two clans being at war. “Mousestar?” Hazelpelt meowed her eyes glassy with fear and pain. Her head spun and she was barely paying attention to her surroundings. She let out a loud groan of pain again. Her sides heaving up and down as she lay on her side in the thick green and purple heather. “She went into labour not long ago she wouldn’t let me move her.” Doepaw replied her voice had a thin coating of worry. The she cat didn’t know what to do or if she should go or not. She couldn’t have risked leaving Hazelpelt with them being so far from camp. “I have her a stick to bite down on but that’s as far as my knowledge goes.” She meowed. She had remembered simple things that Hawkpaw had taught her if there should ever be a time if she’d need them. “What do you need me to do?”

(OMG I HAD SAID THAT ON INSTA AHHAAH BUT U DONT HAVE IT THATS SO FREAKY)

(No I didn't D: I had to remove the app from my phone because I don't have any space on it. I'm hoping I'll get a new one soon. I don't have snap at the moment either >:I )

(Also I CANNOT EVEN REMEMBER WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO DO FOR THIS PART ;-; Uh. Maybe we could do some kind of plot twist and I can use Shellbreeze to help her through the labor? XD)

Over the lapping waves of the lake, the charcoal tom pricked his ears to welcome the sounds around him. He stretched his hearing over the waters, expecting the calming chirping of birds. Instead, he could hear the grunts of pain coming from afar, almost muted by distance. He was usually well at distinguishing the different noises, and this one sent his heart racing with memory of Twigleg baring his sons. Instinctively, Shellbreeze pushed himself into the water. While the tom was quite used to the lake, he still winced at the cold. The tom followed the sound, his webbed toes allowing him to glide through the water easily. The tom had to put in effort. The lake stretched wide, and it wasn't easy to travel the entire length, even for their best swimmers. The tom climbed from the water and shook himself free of the cold, water droplets flung to the stone. The tom's blue eyes traveled over the heather with his search, and soon he found the two along the shore. The tom bound onto the bank. While he knew he shouldn't in such a time as they had just claimed war over the Sun Stones, he gave an oath, and it was protected under all clans.

"Hazelpelt," he called the she-cat's name as he recognized the she-cat.

(LMAO ME) Hazelpelt nodded. “Yeah yeah come on Doepaw.” Doepaw hesitated her eyes flicked between the two. Hazelpelt was already padding away. “H-HEY HAZELPELT WAIT!” Doepaw called running after the warrior. The sudden ambush of her being dragged into it knocking her off guard. Hazelpelt led Doepaw through the forest until they reached sunning rocks. “Hazelpelt we need to go back-“ Hazelpelt shook her head. “I always loved to swim in the water here when I was younger. I used to tease Mouse because he was afraid of it.” She giggled. Doepaw pawed the ground nervously. Hazelpelt glanced at the she cat. “alright let’s argh-“ Hazelpelt cut off as she stood up. She groaned in pain. “Hazelpelt? What’s the matter.” Hazelpelt’s breaths were short and ragged. “Doepaw I- I think i’m in labour.” (woah ohhh also also did you see what i said on insta??)

(OMG I'M SORRY I SLEPT IN ALL FREAKING DAY)

Mousestar let out a sigh, clearly having been agitated from the encounter with ReedClan. He flicked his tail. "Take someone else then," he said simply. He had no true intention to take his mate's freedom away again, and yet he wanted his mate safe. He just knew that if he had said no, she wouldn't listen. She seemed to be the only one in the clan he couldn't pin down, but maybe that's why he fell for her. "And stay away from that border." The tom turned his eyes on her. They still burned deeply with anger. "I'm serious."

Doepaw’s left ear twitched in response. She had expected as much but it still disappointed her. She sighed and turned away from the patrol. Her eyes shifted from Jaymoon to Hazelpelt who was walking towards the entrance. Doepaw cut infront of her. “Hey Hazelpelt where are you going?” She meowed. The brown tabby inspected Doepaw. “I’m going for a walk and no one is stopping me i hate being cooped up.” She meowed sternly pushing past the apprentice. Doepaw didn’t want to bother Mousestar anymore but it was important as the she cat was heavily pregnant. “Hazelpelt magen you should ask Mousestar first... it’s also not safe since there’s going to be a w-“ “Good idea!” Hazelpelt trotted over to her mate. “Mousestar I’m going for a walk and Doepaw has kindly offered to escort me.” Doepaw allowed her jaw to drop. This was not what she had meant in the slightest. She knew her leader didn’t need this right now was with a war with Reedclan more likely than ever. “Hazelpelt i didn’t-“ Hazelpelt cast Doepaw a scornful look and so the she cat but her tongue.

Coalbreeze could sense the she-cat tense beside him. He reached out with the tip of his tail to comfort her, but only for a second before drawing away. He decided it was best to respect her wishes to stay low and not rise any more suspicion about them. His attention was shifted to the entrance as a tense cloud of anger washed over him. He could sense it as the patrol entered the camp. Coalbreeze gathered himself to his paws and took a step forward as his former mentor passed behind Mousestar. "What happened?"

Jumpwing cast his narrowed gaze toward him. "There's going to be a war."

Doepaw nodded. She spotted her mother once again wondering around. She turned away from her mother, a little afraid. “yeah they will be...” she murmured distantly.

Coalbreeze shrugged. "I'm not sure. But we'll know soon." The tom's gaze rested on the entrance. "They will be back before long."

Doepaw ignored the she cats knowing she was muttering harsh words. “I wonder how well it’s going.” She meowed addressing coalbreeze in particular.

Coalbreeze blinked at Doepaw with warm amusement lighting up his gaze. "Mousestar left to meet with ReedClan's leader this morning." Foxpaw scowled as she was pushed away and muttered something under her breath.

Doepaw paused to bite back a growl as she saw foxpaw huddled beside coalbreeze. The she cat padded over to the two. She forced foxpaw aside as she wiggles her way between the two. “What’s not going to end well?”

(I'm gonna pick up with some drama because I have nothing else to input yet xD)

Foxpaw shivered as a light morning breeze drifted past. The she-cat pressed against her friend's flank, welcoming the warmth from Coalbreeze's large body. The ginger she-cat blinked up at him. "What did Jumpwing say?"

The tom sighed as his green gaze cast over the camp. "They formed a patrol to meet ReedClan at Sun Stones. They're going to decide what to do about the borders. I have a feeling it's not going to end well."

“Heyyyy doey.” drooled the familiar voice of the dreaded houndleap. “Go aqua houndleap.” Hissed Doepaw angrily. Houndleap’s grin only grew. “Now now no need to be prickly. I just thought you might have been feeling lonely is all.” Doepaw turned her back on the she cat and chose to ignore her. Despite the loneliness she did feel she didn’t need houndleap. The she cat entered the apprentice den and curled up in her nest. Maybe tomorrow will be better... That was the thought the she cats drifted off too.

Twigpaw dipped her head before turning back to the nursery where Jaymoon slept. Before returning, she looked over her shoulder one last time to see the two siblings. She knew they weren't getting along well. She figured it was all the stress of losing Rockpelt, and then practically their own mother. She only hoped they would be able to share a bond again. At times like this, they needed one another. The she-cat shook her head before disappearing into the den.

Doepaw’s lips curled in a smile. The she cat has always been like a second mother to her and Deerpelt. Especially in times of need. “Thank you Twigleg. I should be going to get some rest. Goodnight!” The she cat turned and headed for her den. Her brothers shape caught the corner of her eye and she decided she would go talk to him. She wanted to mend things between her and her brother. They needed eachother more than ever at this stage. “Hey.” She meowed as she approached him. “How ar-“ Deerpelt cut her off by standing up and glaring at her. “Doepaw.” He meowed sternly like he was talking to a kit. “You and I will never be friends. Not now Not ever. So don’t try and mend things between us it won’t work.” He hissed the last sentence through gaps his in fangs. His words pierced her. She slowly nodded. “It’s just you’re my brother...” She mumbled. Deerpelt stared at her, eyes hard. “Biologically. But emotionally? I will never be the one you call brother. Remember that darling sister.” He spat the word sister at her as he stormed past leaving a lonely Doepaw behind. The she cats ears fell flat to her skull. She felt as though her biological family had abandoned her. She truly felt alone despite some cats by her side. A chill went through her spine and she realised she wasn’t alone. She still had one cat she could turn to. Houndleap.

The she-cat nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. Yet it was forced, she wanted to do her best to help the apprentice in her situation. "You're very smart for someone so young," she murmured, touching her nose to Doepaw's ear. "I'll always be here." She felt warmth in her chest for Doepaw. In a way, she looked at Jaymoon's kits as her own.

Doepaw felt her sides heave in a long sigh. She had known for sometime now her mother was a bit... unstable. But she never thought she’d go this far. “I wish it was different. But reality isn’t based on wishes or the world would be in chaos.” She murmured sadly. She was quoting her mother. “Thank you Twigleg. We’d be lost without you.”

The she-cat let out a breath. "She's settled down to rest," the she-cat told her in a hushed voice. "She asked me to take care of you and your brother. She called you by your kit names." The brown and white tabby shook her head. "I just wish things were different for her."

Doepaw stares after the tom. A smile curling at her lips. She turned around to head the the apprentice den when Twigleg caught her eye. The she cat made her way over to the warrior. “How is she?”

The tom nodded in agreeance. "Then maybe you'd better work on that," the tom mewed with a flick of his tail. The scarred warrior offered her a soft smile before turning toward the entrance that lead into the warriors den. "Get some rest."

Doepaw desperately wanted to tell everyone. Especially that sly Foxpaw who was bound the slither her way into their relationship. But the she cat was still technically an apprentice though she was 13 moons old and should’ve been a warrior by now she was still an apprentice. “It’s probably best we wait until i’m a warrior.” She meowed.

Coalbreeze gazed at Doepaw, his green eyes blinking in surprise. He hadn't thought about that until now. "Do you want to?"

Doepaw giggled like a little kit. “Well you’ll just have to wait and see okay.” She meowed cheekily. Her tail brushing lightly under her chin as she walked. “Do we say anything to anyone?”

The tom's whiskers twitched excitedly. "Maybe so," he agreed in a purr. "But maybe it'll give you some encouragement to pass your trial. My nest gets pretty lonely."

Doepaw pushed her flank up against his. “We are not alike afterall you fell for me not for her.” She purred playfully before padding ahead of him. Glancing over a shoulder and exchanging a teasing look.

Coalbreeze shrugged as they entered the camp. "Oh, she is not," he insisted with a chuckle. "She just wants a friend. She just isn't easy for others to get along with sometimes. She's hardheaded is all." The tom looked at her with a teasing glance. "You two are alike in some ways."

Twigleg stopped the enterance of the tunnel as the two cats walked into the camp. She couldn't help but let a smile rest on her lips. Seeing the two together, seeing their worries wash away in one another's presence was refreshing. They both needed each other in times like this.

Doepaw tilted her head bad let out a quite giggle as they walked backed to camp. “you really don’t know? it’s kind of obvious she’s obsessed with you.”

Coalbreeze blinked at Doepaw's question, as if completely confused. "What about her?"

Twigleg murmured back to the queen a soft goodnight. The she-cat passed one last glance to her friend before turning quietly to sulk from the tunnel enterance.

(AAAH BABIES) Doepaw giggled at his excitement. “Of course silly.” She purred happily. This had not how she’d been expecting today to go. “We should head back to the camp... they’ll be wondering what came of us... wait what about Foxpaw?” Hazelpelt had been in the nursery when it all went down. She lay there watching the two warriors cuddle. It was cruel of starclan to be torturing the she cat of her past. Hazelpelt knew from Doepaw what her mother had gone through and to be honest she wasn’t as surprised as she should be that her past was only hitting her now. Hazelpelt mumbled a good night to Twigleg before closing her eyes and resting her head on her cream paws.

Cloudfeather let out a sigh and shook his head. As Jaymoon was a member of his clan, she was family, and he cared for her dearly. But what would happen if she got out of hand?

The charcoal warrior couldn't help but allow a smile to pull back his lips and he felt a rush of excitement and butterflies tickle his belly. "You do?" The tom paused, wondering if he should ask the question rolling around in his head. "Like... as a mate?"

Twigleg knew inwardly that she probably shouldn't encourage the delusion that Jaymoon had, but she wasn't sure if she should argue. She thought about it, but the brown tabby nodded her head. "Of course, Jaymoon," she murmured. "Get some rest." The she-cat rested her tail on her friend's back. She couldn't help but to watch her now. She was so peaceful, so ordinary like everyone in this state. She missed this part of her. "Oh, StarClan," she sighed quietly. "Please help her."

(Lol they're so cute)

Deerpelt ignored his words. He wasn’t allowing his mother to be thrown away like crow food. Mousetsta would never stand for it. Doepaw stopped in her pacing and stared at the tom cat. “First of all you can’t call me my a lunatic.” She meowed her tone shifting to a slightly cheerier one. “And second... well it happens that I... I like you too.” She meowed walking over to him. Jaymoon sat down in the nursery. She lifted her head and meowed to Twigleg. “Keep an eye on Doekit and Deerkit... I don’t want them getting too tired. I’ll just take a nap with Fawnkit and let me know when Rockpelt returns...” Her voice drifted off into a quiet murmur as she dozed off into a peaceful sleep. She looked small and fragile as she slept, so vulnerable to the outside world like a little kitten.

Coalbreeze paused in his tracks. Maybe he let too much information out of his mouth. "I mean," he hesitated, turning his head over his shoulder to look at her. "Yeah. I do."

Cloudfeather knew the outburst was coming, so he didn't flinch at the words. The tom could hear him padding away. "You know what I say is true," he called after the tom. "And if we presented her to the two-legs, she might stand a chance. But you have to decide what to do with her. Think about the whole clan."

Doepaw opened her mouth then stopped. “You... like me?” She meowed. Her whiskers twitched when he accused her mother of being loony. Despite knowing it was true. Deerpelt growled at the tom. “LEAVE?! You’re not going to make her do anything like that she won’t survive.” He hissed. Anger boiling inside him. “You leave her to me. She’ll be fine.” He grunted before turning tail and leaving the white tom.

"You can get smart with me all you'd like," Cloudfeather grunted. "But it doesn't remove the fact that you share responsibility over her now. She can't go around attacking her clanmates over delusional ideas. She's driving everyone apart, and it's clear other cats are becoming scared of her being around." The white tom paused to sigh. "There is nothing I can give her to make her better. This issue she has is mental, not physical. I know what I say sounds horrible... But we might need to think about making her leave."

The charcoal tom stared at her, his whiskers twitched. His eyes were filled with discomfort and he shifted uneasily. "I..." He wasn't sure how exactly to take any of it. He decided that surely she had inherited a mental disorder from her mother. "Is Jaymoon telling you all of this?" He let out an irritated hiss, turning away abruptly. "Fantastic. The only cat I actually liked became brainwashed by the clan lunatic."

Deerpelt didn’t freeze or seem concerned by this in the slightest. “I couldn’t of guessed with the way she attacked my sister claiming she was going to steal her kits that are basically both warriors.” He meowed sarcastically to the medicine cat. The tom cat had known for some time now that she was but he hadn’t said anything. He suspected Doepaw did too considering she went over to the she cat. He stopped in his train of thought, “What does this mean for her?” He suddenly asked the question that was resting on everyone’s minds. Doepaw pulled away from the tom. Her fur tear stained and her eyes red. She knew it couldn’t be her fault... or at least she hoped it wasn’t. That was unless that her mother knew Houndleap spoke to her. Maybe Houndleap had appeared in Jaymoon’s dreams as Doepaw. She couldn’t shake the feeling that it was her fault. “But... what if it is...” Her head remained low. She decided she needed to confide in someone. Jumping only knew half of what was going on. So Doepaw confessed to Coalbreeze. She explained how the cat that her mother was accusing her of being was Houndleap, She continued to tell him that Houndleap was and still is a psychopath. How she ended up in the dark forest. The she cat continued to explain how it started with Houndleap invading her dreams the first night she stayed with him the medicine den. How since then no matter how many times she rejects the cat Houndleap always crawls back. How she can’t stop ending up in the dark forest every night. How she’s afraid if she goes to the wrong part of the dark forest she’ll meet the tom she killed; then she continued to explain how Houndleap had possessed her and that’s why she had killed him. She took a deep breath and meowed, “Houndleap was a fawn coloured she cat exactly like me, she has the same blue eyes and the same white paw. Our only difference is that she’s a tabby and i’m a dapple. My mother’s father was from Crystalclan, he was a silver dapple. He had yellow eyes like my mother. What they don’t tell you in the story is that Houndleap was a medicine cat. She was an apprentice when she became pregnant but kept it a secret and became a medicine cat alongside leafjumper. But of course leafjumper was old and she thought if they found out they wouldn’t demote her... but they did.” she paused as she watched the shadows shift. She knew Houndleap was listening and watching. She always was but despite the eery chill creeping along her spine Doepaw continued. “They demoted her and she had three kits. Jaymoon, Beedapple and Rabbit’sfoot. Beedapple moved to crystalclan to be with her dad. She’s a warrior now. Rabbit’sfoot stayed here and he became a striker like Jaymoon. He died moons before i was born. Killed in battle i’ve heard. My mother used to tell us stories of how Beedapple had the sharpest humour how Rabbit’sfoot could easily put run anyone. You could tell she missed them.” She stopped again. “Houndleap was found dead. She was in the water. But the water was red. No one knows who killed her but Houndleap was a murderer herself. She killed countless of cats for a simple reason of crossing the water. They guessed it had to be someone who could swim. But neither my mum or Rabbit’sfoot were found guilty.” She went quiet. Before taking a deep breath in and letting it out with a sigh. “you probably think my family is nuts. I have a crazy grandma who’s out for revenge, a brother who hates me, an insane mother, an aunt i’ve never even met, a dead granda who was probably killed by Houndleap and a dead father.” She chuckled. Her laugh low and sad. “I mean this is isn’t it? I’m doomed to end up like the rest of them.” She padded out in the centre of the meadow. “I know you can hear me!” She shouted. “I’m not afraid.”

(LOL I CAN RELATE)

Coalbreeze was surprised as Doepaw met him with her tears and blood tainting his fur, but he didn't pull away. The tom shook his head, confused. "Sorry?" He murmured, his ears falling flat against his head. "You shouldn't be."

Cloudfeather sat as he entered the den. A breath left him and he listened for Deerpelt to arrive. "I think it's time we talk about your mother," he confessed. "She is mentally unstable."

Deerpelt turned to face cloudfeather. He watched his mother enter the den. “Okay.” Deerpelt followed after the medicine cat.

Doepaw’s paws carried her to the centre of the meadow. She turned to face Coalbreeze her sides heavy and tears streaming. “I...” Doepaw broke down and ran to Coalbreeze burying her head into his fur, the cut now dried blood clinging to her fur. “I’m sorry...”

(omg I typed out a reply and it GOT DELETED UGHGHHHGHHG)

Twigleg could feel her lips and legs begin to tremble as she stared at Jaymoon. "Let's get you back to the den," she murmured, giving the she-cat a nudge toward the tunnels.

Cloudfeather blinked to where he heard the other warrior. "Deerpelt," he gestured with his tail. "I think we should speak."

As Doepaw's fur became nothing more than a flash of color, disappearing from the scene, Coalbreeze bit back a frustrated grow before turning to follow as swiftly as his paws would carry him. "Wait!"

Jaymoon glared at Deerpelt. “You don’t believe me? Fine! Go get yourself killed!” she howled angrily. Her voice wavering with uncertainty. Her eyes were clouded, foggy as she was only remembering past situations. The she cat hissed at Doepaw once more. “I won’t let you take them! You won’t take them!” Doepaw found herself crying. She couldn’t stop the tears as they rolled down her fur. “Mum please!” She begged her voice choking up. “It’s me it’s Doekit.” She meowed her voice feeble and weak. Jaymoon’s eyes faltered. “D-Doekit?” she murmured quietly to herself. Doepaw nodded slowly. Jaymoon took a step towards the she cat before swiping at her again. This time Doepaw dodged out of the way. The fawn coloured she cat couldn’t bare to see her mother like this, the stinging in her cheek meant nothing to her to the ache in her heart. “STOP PLAYING PRETENED.” Jaymoon screamed at Doepaw. “You are not who you sa-“ “YES I AM WHY CANT YOU SEE IM YOUR DAUGHTER!” Doepaw snapped back at Jaymoon. Her temper had flared up and caught her off guard. The she fat hesitated before turning and running off out of the camp entrance. She didn’t care that she wasn’t allowed to leave camp she couldn’t stay. Jaymoon stared at all the cats that had gathered. She looked to Deerpelt. “She’s lying again like she always does..” She murmured sadly her eyes distant. “Rockpelt you believe me right?” Deerpelt looked to Twigleg before addressing his mum. “Yes of course I do... why don’t we get some rest?” Jaymoon sorrowfully smiled at him. “Yeah.. that would be nice...” (pfft bipolar jay much? also rip doe)

The blind cat's ears pricked in alarm at the call of his name. The voice was shaken and dawned with worry. Without hesitation, the white tom pelted from the medicine cat den to near them. He had become familiar with the scents of each of his clanmates, having such a strong nose on him. Cloudfeather eased toward Jaymoon. "What is going on?" He demanded.

Twigleg's green eyes widened as she rushed to her friend. Worry clenched at her chest. "Jaymoon, stop!" She begged. A battle of fear and surprise clashed in her head at hearing Rockpelt's name come from the she-cat, but she shook it away. "You're scaring your kits!" Coalbreeze paused at the entrance with wide eyes as he witnessed the mother swiped at Doepaw. A growl arose in his throat as he came to stand next to Deerpelt, his fur bristling.

Deerpelt over heard Doepaw’s cried and went to investigate. Once he saw the sight of his sister, blood leaking down her cheek and wide eyed and terrified he ran to her side. “Jaymoon what’s gotten into you?” Jaymoon looked up and her eyes seemed to melt at the sight of him. “Rockpelt... I knew you’d come back. She wants to take them. She wants to take them!” Deerpelt and Doepaw exchanged a fearful glance. No one had uttered their fathers name since the accident. Certainly not her. Deerpelt moves to stand beside his mother. “who is trying to take what?” “Houndleap. She wants our kits.”

Doepaw grinned up at him. His playful attitude had always been just the thing to bring her through. As they neared the canoe entrance she turned to face him. “Well if I do happen to go against you in my trial then may starclan be on your side as i’ll definitely win.” Her grin faded as she spotted her mother wondering lifelessly around. “Excuse me for a moment...” She meowed politely before heading off in the direction of Jaymoon. Jaymoon wandered glassy eyed outside of the nursery muttering things to herself. “You can’t go it’s dangerous.” She meowed harshly as Doepaw approached. The fawn dappled she cat froze as her mother spoke those words she’d heard often from Houndleap. “Jaymoon are you okay?” She meowed edging closer to the warrior. Jaymoon whipped around to face her daughter, lifting her paw as she did so and swiped her face. “I WONT LET YOU TAKE THEM!” She hissed at Doepaw. As blood leaked down from Doepaw’s cheek the young apprentice’s eyes widened in fear. “Mum! MUM it’s me!” She cried but her mother only hissed more angrily. “You won’t trick me again I won’t allow it!” Doepaw tried to approach her mother again but Jaymoon swiped at her once more. “CLOUDFEATHER!” Doepaw called in hopes he’d know what to do. (poor jay and doe XD)

Coalbreeze let out a purr in response. "You think I'm scared of you? The kit you all once called Coalstar in the nursery would be offended." The tom flicked his tail at her flank. "Maybe I'll convince Mousestar to let me be the one to see you through your trial. Unfortunately, that means you'll fail." The charcoal tom let out a playful chuckle.

Doepaw felt her mouth go dry, and her words get lodged in the back of her throat. As much as she wanted to be a warrior she was scared. Scared of failing in front of everyone. Scared her injury would act up last minute. Scared that she’d show up... (houndleap btw) Doepaw spluttered, “Oh I don’t think I - I’m ready for that, I I have so much to learn still and there would be so uh uh little time you know.” “petty excuses.” A she cat whispered into her ear. Sending chills down her spine. Doepaw didn’t dare glance over her shoulder in fear of catching Houndleap’s eye. She was avoiding the she cat as best she could. But Houndleap always found away to crawl back into Doepaw’s life. “Besides.” She continued. “I haven’t even fought you yet. I still remember distinctly you promising to battle me once you got better. Well you’ve been better for moons now and i’ve seen no battling. What are you afraid that *I* might beat you?” Her tone drooled in a flirtatious tease. It was an attempt to show Houndleap she was unbothered. However, the she cat meant it. She did want to battle him at some point plus it would annoy Foxpaw if she and Coalbreeze grew close again.

Coalbreeze nodded. He hadn't spoken to her frequently anymore, but he still knew her somewhere deep down. She was strong, but at the same time, she used her strength to make things right. "You should speak to Jumpwing about your striker trial," he told her.

Doepaw barely gave him a glance. “I just did what i had to. I didn’t want to fight.” she murmured back in the same low tone. Her stomach fur was soggy and water dropped off it but it didn’t seem to bother her. The warmth from his compliment was enough.

If Foxpaw were in any better condition to reply, she probably would have snapped back, but her jaws were frozen shut. Inwardly, she was glad that Doepaw was close by, but she wouldn't allow it to surface.

Coalbreeze let out a breath through his nose. He encouraged Foxpaw up with a nudge before following Doepaw. Jumpwing gave the borders one last glance before heading the same way. Coalbreeze glanced at the fawn dappled she-cat. "You reacted well," he noted in a low murmur.

Doepaw watched them go. She turned back to Foxpaw. “You should dry off or you’ll catch a cold.” She meowed sternly. She glanced at her mentor before walking away.

Foxpaw let out a gasp with the cold stinging her skin. Unknowingly, she crouched into a huddled position at Doepaw's side, shivering uncontrollably near the other apprentice.

Coalbreeze's eyes widened as he rushed to their side. He touched Foxpaw lightly on the ear with his nose, simply checking her wellbeing before standing beside Doepaw, his eyes burning. "I'm sure your leader wouldn't want to get mixed up in a battle they can't win," he nodded.

Jumpwing sat, watching his apprentice. His feeling of aggravation had seemed to be replaced by curiosity, wondering if he should allow them to sort the issue. He could already see Doepaw was shaping into a great warrior. He dipped his head at last. "You will speak to your leader, and we will speak with ours. Until then, you need to leave Sun Stones. They still belong to us. Don't forget, the knowledge we hold can destroy your placement in ReedClan."

Shellbreeze bit back a growl, and simply nodded his head. "Enjoy your stones, but if you need help in these waters, you'll belong to the fish." He flicked his tail at his clanmates before sauntering down the side of the rock and disappearing into the murky lake.

Doepaw turned to Foxpaw at the sudden attack. she leaped into the water and rushed to her clan mates side. Without effort Doepaw grabbed the toms scruff and hauled him off of Foxpaw she then grabbed Foxpaw and dragged her to the bank. She turned back to the tom and let out a hiss. She let him be to show she meant what she said, she wasn’t looking for a fight. The she cat turned to Shellbreeze. “You know you’re an awful lot of talk for a medicine cat why don’t you crawl back to the hole you slithered out of, Hm?” Her tail flicked furiously the cheek of Reedclan! They didn’t look underfed in her opinion just right! In fact she’d seen some at gatherings they could do with less of the territory. “Reedclan’s leader can speak with mousestar themselves, if they have a problem.” She repeated her tone now cool, and an irritation underlying it.

(She's a big baddie and I love her xD)

"That was all a mistake," he insisted. The medicine cat looked at the she-cat that approached. "Mighty apprentice. I suspect she's yours, Jumpwing?" Shellbreeze chuckled. "Better yet, I think we should take it straight to Mousestar. ReedClan's leader won't turn down an opportunity to make our clan stronger."

The ReedClan apprentice standing on the nearest rock stepped forward. Foxpaw's fur bristled with sudden panic. "Get back!" The ginger she-cat lashed out with her paw instinctively, hooking the other apprentice's muzzle with her claws. He let out a hiss as a tiny bit of blood trickled from the small wound. The gray tom let out an angry growl and lunged at her, knocking her from her paws. Foxpaw let out a yelp and rolled down the side of the rock. The water quickly drenched her fur without effort.

Doepaw watched her mentor curiosity filling her eyes. Was she talking about Coalbreeze? He did look an awful lot like Shellbreeze... and they shared the same name. The she cat shook her head. It must just be a coincidence. Doepaw stepped into the water, it was nothing against her thick pelt. The she cat stared down the others. “Shellbreeze I believe? You have no right to be on our side of the border. If you have a problem you should bring it up with your leader who can bring it up with ours. If you have no quarrel with us then you should leave.” (oof look at doe being all wise)

Foxpaw perked her ears in surprise to Doepaw defending them. The ginger apprentice would have expected her to do the opposite, knowing they didn't get along well.

The brown and white tom stepped forward. His eyes were dark with discomfort and irritation. His fur bristled, knowing he would have to talk with his clanmates once the confrontation ended. He turned to the tom standing on the stones. "Shellbreeze, you should know better than anyone what these borders mean. As a medicine cat, you're supposed to uphold the warrior code. But I guess we both know you never have, now don't we?"

Shellbreeze's eyes narrowed on the warrior. "I have no quarrel with your clan. But my own have suffered too greatly since yours have taken half of the lake. We will not starve. If we must break rules, we will."

"Your own are here," Jumpwing hissed. The tom stopped, instantly feeling the sting of regret in his own words. Coalbreeze blinked at him, wondering what he meant.

Doepaw arrived at the shore with the others. she had watched foxpaw step into the water. she let out a tiresome grunt. the she cat always acted more powerful than she truly was. Doepaw was one of the few cats who could actually learn to swim, her old mentor hazelpelt had taught her in a fishing attempt. She remembered distinctly how Hazelpelt had told her that during leafbare she’d have to swim the icy waters. Thankfully she was no longer a hunter. Doepaw looked to the charcoal tom. “They’re right. Even if not all of us use the rocks they are still belong on our territory and you have no right to sit on them.” She meowed calmly in hopes not to start a fight. For over the past few moons Doepaw preferred not the path of violence if it could be avoided. However, the she cat would still be glad to chase those grinning cats off her territory. What were they kits? That’s certainly what they acted like. She waited to see what her mentor had to say.

Jumpwing nodded with a displeased flick of his tail. He motioned to Doepaw before bounding down the hillside of the training arena toward the river.

Foxpaw let out a growl. "You fish-eaters!" She lashed her tail at the cats sitting on the stones just out of their reach. "Sun Stones belong to BreezeClan. You'd better leave."

A spotted charcoal tom grunted and sat up where he lay. "And what are you going to do with these stones?" The tom blinked with warm amusement in his blue eyes. "You can't even reach them without one of us having to save your tail from drowning."

Coalbreeze's eyes narrowed. He couldn't place it, but he was unsettled by the presence of the tom. He recognized him from gatherings, sitting where the medicine cats had. He remembered faintly that his mother shared tongues with the tom a couple times. The warrior snorted. "It doesn't matter," he insisted. "This side still belongs to BreezeClan. We'll drive you away if we must."

Foxpaw glanced at her clanmate, feeling a sudden burst of confidence next to the tom. "I think they need to learn their lesson." The she-cat stepped forward, wincing as the icy cold waters hit her pads. The she-cat bunched her muscles and lept for the closest stone, where an apprentice sat. She let out a grunt as her hind paws barely missed the stone and scrambled up the side to stand on it with a breath. She let out the best menacing his that she could manage.

Doepaw jumped at the sound. she looked at her mentor. Then back at the cats. “Wait is that Coalbreeze and Foxpaw? we should go stop them then.” she waited anxiously for her mentor’s instructions first.

Jumpwing's eyes narrowed on Doepaw. He wasn't sure how to react. A part of him knew that he would have to talk to the medicine cat about what she was speaking, even if she told him not to. He had to know if there was something he could do to help ease Doepaw's worries. She must not be sleeping enough, he thought to himself. The tom nodded slowly. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the sound of yowling echoing in the distance. His eyes shot toward the lake and his fur bristled. He caught sight of the flurry of black and red fur. "Those hare-brained cats," he growled. The tom got to his paws. "They're going to start another fight."

doepaw tore her eyes away from the shadows. “They torment me.” she replied simply. her voice drained and exhausted reflecting her sleepless nights the past moons. “you can’t tell anyone - not even mousestar. Cloudfeather thinks they’ve stopped...” she mumbled the last part quietly in hopes her mentor would miss it. but she knew Jumpwing had a sharp ear.

The warrior watched his apprentice with concern. His ears twitched as he felt his fur crawl uncomfortably. "And what do they say?"

Doepaw walked over and sat beside him. “They... they talk to me. They come and visit me.” She meowed softly, her voice small and scared. The she cat never showed fear even when she was afraid but she was tired of having it. “They don’t like me leaving them... and - and Houndleap she -“ she cut off as she watched a shadow disappear.

Jumpwing blinked curiously. "What about the dark forest?" Jumpwing heard stories when he was younger about the dark forest. The elders always told him to be good or the "bad cats" would get him. Over time, he just stopped believing in dead cats living on in a different place. The stories never made sense to him.

Doepaw dropped her head. Coalbreeze hadn’t been on her mind as much as she thought he would’ve. She lifted her head and gazed at Jumpwing. “I’m not interested in Coalbreeze. Besides him and that Foxpaw are more or less mates.” She meowed. She turned back to the Tom. She glanced over her shoulder at the Tom hesitating. “It’s not that. It’s... uh, the dark forest.” She mumbled.

(Sorry for not replying sooner! I had some things to take care of)

Jumpwing tilted his head, unconvinced. "Is it about Coalbreeze?" He noticed how the two had stopped spending as much time with one another as they had before. He was almost convinced by how the two acted together that there was something going on between them. Twigleg even gushed about his son possibly finding his own mate soon, but Foxpaw was slowly slipping into her place and Jumpwing couldn't tell up from down anymore.

Doepaw glanced at her mentor. She hesitated at her chance. She could tell him everything. Right here, right now. But she was scared. What if he told Mousestar. Or talked to cloudfeather about it. The she cat has been lying to him for the past moon claiming she hadn’t been back there. “It’s nothing.”

The white and brown warrior stepped back with a sigh. "You won't make it if you get distracted in a real battle," he reminded her. "Your trial is coming up. You have to train harder than you ever have. If you don't pass that trial, you won't become a warrior." Jumpwing sat down and curled his tail over his paws. "What has been on your mind?"

Doepaw has been out training with Jumpwing. Hazelpelt had gotten quite plump with her litter soon to be born and so was instructed she could no longer leave the camp as it could be any day. Hazelpelt and Doepaw had grown close in the last few moons and had formed an unbreakable friendship. Doepaw and Coalbreeze remained on friendly terms but the she fat did not see much of him anymore as he hung around Foxpaw. The she cat scrunched her face up at the thought of the annoying ginger she cat. In that moment she was knocked to the ground. “Sorry Jumpwing I got distracted again.” She mumbled a feeble apology. With her promotion coming up soon she should’ve been focusing hard but between sleepless nights and endless torture of listening to Foxpaw cruel over colabreeze it was difficult.